Billy Scott hired as crew chief for Brian Vickers

Billy Scott has been named crew chief for driver Brian Vickers and the No. 55 Aaron's Toyota team fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing, according to a team news release.

Scott, 36, served as lead engineer for the team for the past two seasons.

"Billy was the unanimous selection by everyone here at MWR including the crew, drivers and ownership," team co-owner Michael Waltrip said. "We feel like engineering is one of our strongest assets and with that type of talent in house, it was easy to promote from within.

"Billy has earned this opportunity because he has helped develop and refine the engineering tools that we use every day to make our cars faster."

Scott worked in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series as a mechanic before returning to college to obtain an engineering degree. After graduating in 2005 he was employed at Robert Yates Racing and began as an engineer at MWR in '08.

"I'm honored, but I also know this is a big responsibility," Scott said. "We have very high expectations for ? 2014. Brian has been incredible to work with and is a winner, so we can't wait to get 2014 started."

Rodney Childers served as the team's crew chief for the bulk of 2013 before leaving to join Stewart-Haas Racing. Scott Miller, MWR's executive vice president of competition, served as interim crew chief following Childers' departure.

"I've been around Billy the last two seasons and he's demonstrated a strong knowledge of what makes these cars go fast," Vickers said. "I have a lot of faith in Billy. This is one of the strongest teams I've had and that's a great feeling heading into a new season."

MWR will field two full-time teams for the upcoming season -- the No. 55 Toyota of Vickers as well as the No. 15 for Clint Bowyer. A third entry, which will carry the No. 66, will be run in select events with Waltrip and veteran Jeff Burton sharing the driving duties.